The following rules and guidelines should be reviewed and adhered to, to ensure the safe use of motorized mobility aids.
Operation
As motorized mobility aids are intended to be operated on sidewalks, they do not require registration or insurance.
The Highway Traffic Act defines a motorized mobility aid as a device which is specifically manufactured or modified for operation by a physically handicapped person and which has:
- a maximum speed capability of not more than 15 km per hour
- a maximum width of not more than 81.2 centimetres
- a maximum mass of not more than 226 kilograms
Under The Highway Traffic Act, the same rules apply to mobility aid users as on-foot pedestrians:
- Mobility aids are intended to be operated on sidewalks, not roadways. If no sidewalk is available or passable, mobility aid users may travel on the left edge of the roadway or shoulder, facing traffic.
- If required to ride on the roadway because a sidewalk is not available or passable, turn signals or hand signals are required to inform motorists of intentions.
- If riding in a group, always travel in single file.
Safety tips
- Carefully read and follow manufacturer instructions for safe operation and maintenance.
- Ride only at a speed that allows you to maintain full control at all times.
- Slow down and be cautious when passing pedestrians or crossing roadways.
- Plan ahead by checking weather forecasts and choosing a route with ideal conditions.
- Consider using safety gear such as a mirror, a helmet, headlamps and tail lamps, reflective strips, red reflectors and a retro-reflective flag placed well above head level.